Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy was born in Orleans, Indiana, on October 9, 1905, and attended school in Puente, California. Following his
graduation from high school he became a professional boxer and was billed as the "Keel McCoy." Later he became a newspaper reporter for the
Los Angeles Herald Examiner, a William Hearst owned newspaper. Still later he operated a private flying school in California. His colorful career
included many incidents which classified him as a legendary figure as well as a pioneer airman.
After World War II broke, Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He trained
Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the U.S. Army Air Corps. At this time, McCoy
arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world. In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel
McCoy flew 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses"" over Japan.
After the war. Colonel McCoy made the first successful Japan-to-Washington, D.C, nonstop flight in the 'Fluffy Fuzz,' a B-29. In 1950 he pioneered
a 42-hour B-50 flight from the United States to Hawaii and back non-stop, proving the feasibility of an around the world flight in a bomber. He was
project officer on the first around the world non-stop flight successfully completed by a B-50 bomber, the Lucky Lady I.
Colonel McCoy enjoyed the distinction of being the dean of Strategic Air Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" commanders. When the United States Air
Force made its decision to equip SAC with the B-47, it was Colonel McCoy who took delivery of the first "combat type" B-47. He was commander
of the first B-47 wing, the 306th Bombardment Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, near Tampa, Florida. Within two years he had formed, trained to
combat-readiness, and led his original B-47 wing, the 306th, on the first successful rotation of a SAC jet bomber force to Fairford, England from
MacDill. They broke all existing speed records on the trip over and when they returned, broke them again. On their initial rotation Colonel
McCoy solidified SAC's position as a Global Force utilizing jet aircraft.
To assure that the B-47 would assume a truly intercontinental stature, he was instrumental in pioneering and developing the present system of
aerial refueling now in use throughout the Air Force. His list of personal decorations included Legion of Merit. Distinguished Flying Cross,
Bronze Star and Air Medal. Some of these medals were recently donated to McCoy Elementary School in Orlando, FLorida, by my mother, the
Colonel's daughter, Pamela Anne McCoy.
McCoy was married to Alice Kimball, my mom's mom, my grandmother, for 22 years. They were hitched mainly during the fabulous forties and
fifties. My grandmother's maiden name was Alice Kimball and, sadly, she passed in the 90's although she lived a nice long life. She had the
distinction ealry in her career of writing a nationally syndicated fashion column titled "Babette" for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner in her day,
a Hearst newspaper, featuring all the latest fashion happenings and trends of the day. I recently found some of her assessments of the Twenties
Hollywood Goddess and silent film starlet, Louise Brooks. She had a sumptuous flair for the written word and somehow managed to pass the
talent down to her daughters and grandsons.
"The fragile beauty of lace lends itself to the graceful lines of the newest evening gowns that dip and drape with the aid of fluttering panels and
uneven hemlines. This one, in beige, is worn by Louise Brooks."
To be continued....
graduation from high school he became a professional boxer and was billed as the "Keel McCoy." Later he became a newspaper reporter for the
Los Angeles Herald Examiner, a William Hearst owned newspaper. Still later he operated a private flying school in California. His colorful career
included many incidents which classified him as a legendary figure as well as a pioneer airman.
After World War II broke, Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He trained
Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the U.S. Army Air Corps. At this time, McCoy
arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world. In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel
McCoy flew 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses"" over Japan.
After the war. Colonel McCoy made the first successful Japan-to-Washington, D.C, nonstop flight in the 'Fluffy Fuzz,' a B-29. In 1950 he pioneered
a 42-hour B-50 flight from the United States to Hawaii and back non-stop, proving the feasibility of an around the world flight in a bomber. He was
project officer on the first around the world non-stop flight successfully completed by a B-50 bomber, the Lucky Lady I.
Colonel McCoy enjoyed the distinction of being the dean of Strategic Air Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" commanders. When the United States Air
Force made its decision to equip SAC with the B-47, it was Colonel McCoy who took delivery of the first "combat type" B-47. He was commander
of the first B-47 wing, the 306th Bombardment Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, near Tampa, Florida. Within two years he had formed, trained to
combat-readiness, and led his original B-47 wing, the 306th, on the first successful rotation of a SAC jet bomber force to Fairford, England from
MacDill. They broke all existing speed records on the trip over and when they returned, broke them again. On their initial rotation Colonel
McCoy solidified SAC's position as a Global Force utilizing jet aircraft.
To assure that the B-47 would assume a truly intercontinental stature, he was instrumental in pioneering and developing the present system of
aerial refueling now in use throughout the Air Force. His list of personal decorations included Legion of Merit. Distinguished Flying Cross,
Bronze Star and Air Medal. Some of these medals were recently donated to McCoy Elementary School in Orlando, FLorida, by my mother, the
Colonel's daughter, Pamela Anne McCoy.
McCoy was married to Alice Kimball, my mom's mom, my grandmother, for 22 years. They were hitched mainly during the fabulous forties and
fifties. My grandmother's maiden name was Alice Kimball and, sadly, she passed in the 90's although she lived a nice long life. She had the
distinction ealry in her career of writing a nationally syndicated fashion column titled "Babette" for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner in her day,
a Hearst newspaper, featuring all the latest fashion happenings and trends of the day. I recently found some of her assessments of the Twenties
Hollywood Goddess and silent film starlet, Louise Brooks. She had a sumptuous flair for the written word and somehow managed to pass the
talent down to her daughters and grandsons.
"The fragile beauty of lace lends itself to the graceful lines of the newest evening gowns that dip and drape with the aid of fluttering panels and
uneven hemlines. This one, in beige, is worn by Louise Brooks."
To be continued....
Facts about the man, as compiled by Eric Linquist, grandson of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy.
Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy was an accomplished aviator in his lifetime.
before his tragic death in 1957 on his 52nd birthday.
He was the United States Air Force Commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing at the Pinecastle Air
Force Base here in Orlando. Colonel McCoy died in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet during the annual
Strategic Air Command (SAC) Bombing and Navigation Competition that was held at the base in 1957.
Pinecastle AFB was later renamed McCoy AFB in his honor the following year. McCoy AFB later became
home to the 306th Bombardment Wing operating the B-52 Stratofortress and the KC-135 Stratotanker.
The Orlando airport's call letters are still MCO to this day in honor of him.
McCoy led an amazing life until his demise. If you'd like to know more, please read on.
Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy was an accomplished aviator in his lifetime.
before his tragic death in 1957 on his 52nd birthday.
He was the United States Air Force Commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing at the Pinecastle Air
Force Base here in Orlando. Colonel McCoy died in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet during the annual
Strategic Air Command (SAC) Bombing and Navigation Competition that was held at the base in 1957.
Pinecastle AFB was later renamed McCoy AFB in his honor the following year. McCoy AFB later became
home to the 306th Bombardment Wing operating the B-52 Stratofortress and the KC-135 Stratotanker.
The Orlando airport's call letters are still MCO to this day in honor of him.
McCoy led an amazing life until his demise. If you'd like to know more, please read on.
Born: October 9, 1905
Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy's 22-year marriage to wife Alice was blessed by daughter Pamela Ann on
right and Penny Ann on McCoy's lap.
right and Penny Ann on McCoy's lap.
The MCO letter coding used to indicate Orlando's International Airport were
selected as "MCO" to honor the death of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy
and his last-ditch effort to pilot a fiery, disabled bomber away from crowds and
school children at an air show on October 9th, 1957. Though the plane exploded
over an empty field, McCoy perished as a hero.ero.
selected as "MCO" to honor the death of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy
and his last-ditch effort to pilot a fiery, disabled bomber away from crowds and
school children at an air show on October 9th, 1957. Though the plane exploded
over an empty field, McCoy perished as a hero.ero.
| Here's a link to some stock footage of Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy climbing into a RATO (Rocket Assisted Take Off) Boeing B-47 Stratojet Bomber at Pine Castle Air Force Base, possibly the only existing footage of the pilot today. McCoy Flight Footage |
| Excellent article from airforcemag.com about the lethal and regrettably, crash-prone, B-47. McCoy is mentioned within the last two sections of the article and is described as "perhaps the most qualified B-47 pilot in the Air Force," with "8,661 hours flying time." That many hours of flying time equates to spending nearly an entire year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, of being airborne and piloting aircraft! The B-47's Deadly Dominance |
Rare pic of Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy taking care of more administrative duties. Life as a SAC
Bombardment Wing Commander encompassed a lot more than flying from time to time!
Note the RCAF Wings over the right breast pocket of his tunic. Colonel McCoy was one of the 8, 860 Americans
who served part or all of their careers in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II. After World War II broke,
Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He trained
Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the U.S. Army
Air Corps. At that time, McCoy arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world.
In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel McCoy flew or was otherwise
involved with 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses" over Japan.
Bombardment Wing Commander encompassed a lot more than flying from time to time!
Note the RCAF Wings over the right breast pocket of his tunic. Colonel McCoy was one of the 8, 860 Americans
who served part or all of their careers in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II. After World War II broke,
Colonel McCoy joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served as a ferry pilot and instructor. He trained
Canadian pilots in the old Hudson Bomber until 1942 at which time he transferred as a captain to the U.S. Army
Air Corps. At that time, McCoy arguably had logged more flight hours than any pilot in the world.
In June of 1945 while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam, Colonel McCoy flew or was otherwise
involved with 22 missions in B29 "Stratofortresses" over Japan.
| A nice historical little vignette that gives props to Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy. Tune in for the interesting recap! |
Managed to find this cool shot of McCoy in his pilot gear during his tenure at MacDill as Commander of the
306th Bombardment Wing, Medium. This man lived and breathed aviation for the better part of his life.
306th Bombardment Wing, Medium. This man lived and breathed aviation for the better part of his life.
Holy Chute! Did you know that McCoy once bailed out of his aircraft, landing in a snowdrift with unopened
parachute still on his back? As the story goes, McCoy then went and found the guy that packed the chute,
threw it on the table in front of him and said, "It didn't open."
parachute still on his back? As the story goes, McCoy then went and found the guy that packed the chute,
threw it on the table in front of him and said, "It didn't open."
After doing some research on McCoy's flying history as part of the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam during WWII, I
found this amazing signed photo of him posing with the crew in front of one of Armstrong's B-29's, the Fluffy
Fuz!
found this amazing signed photo of him posing with the crew in front of one of Armstrong's B-29's, the Fluffy
Fuz!
Before circling the globe in a bomber non-stop, it had to be done WITH stops. That flight record was set by
two B29 bombers in July 1948, one of which was Lucky Lady I. It flew more than 20,000 miles in fifteen days,
logged 103 hours and 50 minutes of actual flight time and made eight stops en route. That initial
demonstration of America's long range airpower capabilities was a noteworthy event to allies and would-be
adversaries alike. My grandfather, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, probably a Major or Lieutenant Colonel
back then, was the Project Officer for the flight.
two B29 bombers in July 1948, one of which was Lucky Lady I. It flew more than 20,000 miles in fifteen days,
logged 103 hours and 50 minutes of actual flight time and made eight stops en route. That initial
demonstration of America's long range airpower capabilities was a noteworthy event to allies and would-be
adversaries alike. My grandfather, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, probably a Major or Lieutenant Colonel
back then, was the Project Officer for the flight.
Not sure of the circumstances around this really awesome shot. McCoy did a stint as a reporter for the Los
Angeles Herald Examiner in his earlier days, which might explain the "Press Car" sign. It doesn't, however,
explain the cool sidearm - but, really, does it need to? He's just exuding a wicked, studly cool here!
Angeles Herald Examiner in his earlier days, which might explain the "Press Car" sign. It doesn't, however,
explain the cool sidearm - but, really, does it need to? He's just exuding a wicked, studly cool here!
Found this interesting article (with bad photo) from the St. Pete Times 2 days after McCoy's unexpected
passing. Haven't figured out how to get it to post any larger yet. Enjoyed the writer's praiseful
descriptions such as "bone-crushing handshake," "barnstorming pilot" and "flock of medals". McCoy was
highly regarded then and remains an enduring presence today in the history of aviation.
passing. Haven't figured out how to get it to post any larger yet. Enjoyed the writer's praiseful
descriptions such as "bone-crushing handshake," "barnstorming pilot" and "flock of medals". McCoy was
highly regarded then and remains an enduring presence today in the history of aviation.
Fascinating excerpt from UFO testimonial of Mackinlay Kantor, co-author with SAC's General Curtis E. LeMay for "Mission with Lemay: My Story." Kantor
checks in with McCoy regarding his sighting:
"Doctor! Doctor! Look!" I pointed as I ran. He stared, turned, gazed toward the sea. When I reached him he was looking a little too far to the west, and I
put my arm around his shoulders and turned him more toward the south.
"Above the trees! Don't you see it?"
"I see it," he said, "but I can't make out just what it is. Doesn't that look like-? Isn't it two airplanes refueling in midair?"
"If it's two airplanes refueling in midair, aren't they headed in opposite directions?"
The doctor chuckled. "Guess they are."
"But, Doctor, that thing's absolutely motionless. It doesn't move to right or left."
"I guess you're right."
At that moment the object took off. It started with unbelievable speed, moving on a diagonal line, ascending as it receded into the southwest.
I didn't take my eyes off the thing. It was really traveling. I had never seen anything hurtle so rapidly except a meteorite. I have messed around with the
Air Force for a good long generation and have poked my nose into two wars.
I know of no aircraft which might move with such terrific speed through our atmosphere. Then it was gone.
The time was 6:11 p.m.
Did anyone else on Siesta Key happen to see that thing?
Damned if I know.
Next morning I drove to MacDill Air Force base at Tampa to report the incident to Col. Michael McCoy, who was then commanding the bomb wing.
At MacDill, I found Mike McCoy in his office, and proceeded to sit down and tell him the whole story. I drew some sketches, too. When I was through,
Mike sat tugging at his red-gray moustache.
Well, what do we do, Mack? Send a report to Project Blue Book at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?"
"No," I said, "I guess not."
"You saw it, didn't you?"
"Yes. But if we send in this report some character will come along and tell me patiently that what I saw was the planet Venus or the planet Mars or the
star so-and-so, or a Navy balloon, or a conventional aircraft; or that maybe I was the victim of an illusion induced by hysteria."
"Exactly," said Colonel McCoy. "That's what they're always saying. Let's just forget it."
"I won't forget it," I told him. "I'll remember it."
Recently Curt LeMay and I were discussing UFOs while I worked with him on his autobiography (Mission with LeMay-My story, by General Curtis E. LeMay
with Mackinlay Kantor, Doubleday, 1965).
Let me quote a few lines from what General LeMay had to say about UFOs.
"Some natural phenomenon might usually account for those which had been seen and reported and thus explain them. However, we had a number of
reports from reputable individuals (well-educated, serious-minded folks-scientists and flyers) who surely saw something.
"Many of the mysteries might be explained away as weather balloons, stars, reflected lights, all sorts of odds and ends. I don't mean to say that, in the
unclosed and unexplained or unexplainable instances, those were actually flying objects. All I can say is that no natural phenomenon could be found to
account for them.
"Repeat again: There were some cases we could not explain. Never could."
It's 12 years since I saw my first UFO. Maybe it will be my only one. I've never seen the shine of one since. But I'm always watching.
checks in with McCoy regarding his sighting:
"Doctor! Doctor! Look!" I pointed as I ran. He stared, turned, gazed toward the sea. When I reached him he was looking a little too far to the west, and I
put my arm around his shoulders and turned him more toward the south.
"Above the trees! Don't you see it?"
"I see it," he said, "but I can't make out just what it is. Doesn't that look like-? Isn't it two airplanes refueling in midair?"
"If it's two airplanes refueling in midair, aren't they headed in opposite directions?"
The doctor chuckled. "Guess they are."
"But, Doctor, that thing's absolutely motionless. It doesn't move to right or left."
"I guess you're right."
At that moment the object took off. It started with unbelievable speed, moving on a diagonal line, ascending as it receded into the southwest.
I didn't take my eyes off the thing. It was really traveling. I had never seen anything hurtle so rapidly except a meteorite. I have messed around with the
Air Force for a good long generation and have poked my nose into two wars.
I know of no aircraft which might move with such terrific speed through our atmosphere. Then it was gone.
The time was 6:11 p.m.
Did anyone else on Siesta Key happen to see that thing?
Damned if I know.
Next morning I drove to MacDill Air Force base at Tampa to report the incident to Col. Michael McCoy, who was then commanding the bomb wing.
At MacDill, I found Mike McCoy in his office, and proceeded to sit down and tell him the whole story. I drew some sketches, too. When I was through,
Mike sat tugging at his red-gray moustache.
Well, what do we do, Mack? Send a report to Project Blue Book at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?"
"No," I said, "I guess not."
"You saw it, didn't you?"
"Yes. But if we send in this report some character will come along and tell me patiently that what I saw was the planet Venus or the planet Mars or the
star so-and-so, or a Navy balloon, or a conventional aircraft; or that maybe I was the victim of an illusion induced by hysteria."
"Exactly," said Colonel McCoy. "That's what they're always saying. Let's just forget it."
"I won't forget it," I told him. "I'll remember it."
Recently Curt LeMay and I were discussing UFOs while I worked with him on his autobiography (Mission with LeMay-My story, by General Curtis E. LeMay
with Mackinlay Kantor, Doubleday, 1965).
Let me quote a few lines from what General LeMay had to say about UFOs.
"Some natural phenomenon might usually account for those which had been seen and reported and thus explain them. However, we had a number of
reports from reputable individuals (well-educated, serious-minded folks-scientists and flyers) who surely saw something.
"Many of the mysteries might be explained away as weather balloons, stars, reflected lights, all sorts of odds and ends. I don't mean to say that, in the
unclosed and unexplained or unexplainable instances, those were actually flying objects. All I can say is that no natural phenomenon could be found to
account for them.
"Repeat again: There were some cases we could not explain. Never could."
It's 12 years since I saw my first UFO. Maybe it will be my only one. I've never seen the shine of one since. But I'm always watching.
As an Operations Officer, McCoy participated on 12 combat missions over Japan in the B-29 “Stratofortress”
while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam. Here McCoy is getting decorated by General Frank Alton
Armstrong, Jr. who led the Guam-based 315th Bomb Wing through the first air bombardment mission against
the Japanese mainland in World War II. — with Frank Alton Armstrong and Lee W. Fulton at Northwest Field.
while serving with the 315th Bomb Wing on Guam. Here McCoy is getting decorated by General Frank Alton
Armstrong, Jr. who led the Guam-based 315th Bomb Wing through the first air bombardment mission against
the Japanese mainland in World War II. — with Frank Alton Armstrong and Lee W. Fulton at Northwest Field.
Okay, let's get right to it. Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy was my grandfather and a pretty big deal in military aviation, particularly in Orlando
where he lived until he perished at the young age of 52, on his birthday no less, and, ironically, while flying. But what made the man so memorable?
Well, that covers a lot of territory so let's just run down a few of his accomplishments in his short life. Mike was born in Orleans, Indiana in 1905. He
raised horses, moved to California, was a boxer under the name "Keel" McCoy, went to work for the Hearst newspaper outfit where he became a
Master Engraver, started up an aviation school, organized a Civil Air Patrol, joined the RCAF and became a ferry pilot taking planes over to the war
efforts, flew one of the first missions to bomb Germany during the war, participated on 12 of 22 bombing missions to destroy oil refineries in Japan,
was put in charge of both MacDill Air Force Base and later Pine Castle Air Force Base, helped pioneer in-flight refueling, was the "dean" of the B-47
Stratojet bombers that helped win World War II and more. Mike once had to jump from a disabled plane when his parachute didn't open. He managed
to land in a snowdrift and survived shaken up but unharmed. He walked straight to the parachute packer, threw the chute on the table in front of him
and announced, "It didn't open." That's the kind of guy he was. In my dear Mom's words, "He was a man's man" and testimonials I've received over the
years back this up pretty reliably. There's more, so read on.
where he lived until he perished at the young age of 52, on his birthday no less, and, ironically, while flying. But what made the man so memorable?
Well, that covers a lot of territory so let's just run down a few of his accomplishments in his short life. Mike was born in Orleans, Indiana in 1905. He
raised horses, moved to California, was a boxer under the name "Keel" McCoy, went to work for the Hearst newspaper outfit where he became a
Master Engraver, started up an aviation school, organized a Civil Air Patrol, joined the RCAF and became a ferry pilot taking planes over to the war
efforts, flew one of the first missions to bomb Germany during the war, participated on 12 of 22 bombing missions to destroy oil refineries in Japan,
was put in charge of both MacDill Air Force Base and later Pine Castle Air Force Base, helped pioneer in-flight refueling, was the "dean" of the B-47
Stratojet bombers that helped win World War II and more. Mike once had to jump from a disabled plane when his parachute didn't open. He managed
to land in a snowdrift and survived shaken up but unharmed. He walked straight to the parachute packer, threw the chute on the table in front of him
and announced, "It didn't open." That's the kind of guy he was. In my dear Mom's words, "He was a man's man" and testimonials I've received over the
years back this up pretty reliably. There's more, so read on.